Friend,

Frederick County is built on compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to supporting one another - especially in times of uncertainty. Today, we face one of those moments. The ongoing federal shutdown is not just a headline - it's a hardship that ripples through our neighborhoods, businesses, and families.

Over 12,000 civilian federal employees call Frederick County home, and more than 4,700 federal jobs are located here. Many of our neighbors are federal employees or contractors who are directly affected by the shutdown - which is now the longest in our nation's history. Today, I announced two steps we are taking to help.

We are launching the HEART Grant: Helping Empower Area Resources Together. HEART will provide grants of up to $50,000 to support nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to our residents. These groups have seen their revenue decline as a result of federal actions, at the same time they have seen growing demand for their services.

We are providing $1 million for local food assistance. Our food banks are experiencing record demand, driven by the confusion about whether the federal government will fully fund SNAP. We also launched a map on the County website www.frederickcountymd.gov/food to help residents find resources.

These steps require Council approval. I know from conversations with my colleagues on the Council that they are hearing from our shared constituents about the shutdown's impact, and they stand ready to help.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please visit the County's website www.frederickcountymd.gov/federal for helpful resources.

We will continue to stand together, support one another, and prove that Frederick County is a place where everyone belongs and everyone matters.

Jessica Fitzwater
Frederick County Executive

By authority: Friends of Jessica Fitzwater, Paul Fulcher, Treasurer.
Friends of Jessica Fitzwater
P.O. Box 3574
Frederick, MD 21705
United States
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